Illegal Alien
The Biden administration wants to scrap the term referring to a non-citizen living in the U.S. for more “inclusive language.” Among the terms it urges U.S. immigration officials to adopt: “undocumented non-citizen” or “undocumented individual.”
• Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is facing increased political heat for the arrest of an edmonton-area pastor who defied COVID-19 restrictions.
In a Friday interview, talk-radio host danielle Smith pressed the premier to release Gracelife Church Pastor James Coates, who turned himself in to police Tuesday after being charged with violating Public Health Act orders.
Kenney said it’s irresponsible to be delivering “libertarian sermons” while COVID-19 continues to be a risk, adding he doesn’t incarcerate or release people, and could not comment on or interfere with a legal case.
Coates has refused to comply with bail conditions, and is set to appear in court Feb. 24, the RCMP has said.
Kenney said the courts have not ordered Coates to stop preaching, and the vast majority of faith communities have continued to exercise their freedom of worship and religion within the guidelines.
“It’s been difficult, it’s been inconvenient, but they’ve managed to do it. I just went to church with many co-believers on Wednesday for Ash Wednesday,” he said.
A capacity limit of 15 per cent, as well as distancing and masking requirements, are in place for religious gatherings.
In a Facebook post Thursday night, Kenney implored religious communities to follow guidelines and protect those at the highest risk of COVID-19, drawing harsh criticism from some of the faithful.
“As a Christian, I call on fellow believers to be guided by the principle of the sanctity of human life in how we act during this pandemic,” said Kenney.
While responses were mixed, angry demands to release Coates and lift restrictions were abundant in the comment section.
Gracelife Church posted a statement in early February citing the premier’s words as part of its justification for defying public health restrictions.
In May, the premier referred to COVID-19 as “influenza” multiple times in a speech in the legislature.
Lori Williams, political scientist at Mount royal university, said the challenge Kenney is now facing stems from his own mixed messaging throughout the pandemic.
The growing anger among rural and religious conservatives over perceived government overreach must be concerning for Kenney and his UCP, said Williams.
duane bratt, political scientist at Mount royal university, said the backlash is not just about religion, but frustration over all public health restrictions.
“He’s actually doing the right thing ... he is saying the right things, but he’s in a real box here. These are people who voted for him — these are probable volunteers as well. Where do they go?”